The Minnesota Vikings opened Week 11 with several notable injury updates from head coach Kevin O’Connell as they prepare to host the Chicago Bears on Sunday.
The headliner — rookie quarterback J.J. McCarthy — gave the Vikings a brief scare late in last week’s loss to Baltimore after hitting his throwing hand on a defender’s helmet. Fortunately for Minnesota, O’Connell made it clear that McCarthy’s injury is nothing serious. The rookie will wear a small bandage or wrap on the top of his hand during practice this week, but O’Connell emphasized that it’s purely precautionary.
“Everything’s checked out,” O’Connell said. “We just want to be proactive and make sure there’s no lingering swelling. If practice was another 24 hours later, it probably wouldn’t even be something we’d mention.”
So while McCarthy could technically appear on this week’s injury report, his availability for Sunday’s game against Chicago doesn’t appear to be in question.
Aug 9, 2025; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy (9) warms up before the game against the Houston Texans at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-Imagn ImagesMinnesota Vikings Week 11 Injury Report
Elsewhere, the Vikings are finally opening the 21-day practice window for center Ryan Kelly, who’s been on injured reserve since Week 4 while recovering from his second concussion in less than a year. O’Connell described the move as a “next step” rather than a guarantee that Kelly will play this weekend. The longtime Colts lineman will be taking additional safety measures — including a new helmet and Guardian Cap — as he works his way back.
“Ultimately, we’re looking at this not just for the rest of this season, but for Ryan’s long-term health,” O’Connell said.
Blake Brandel has started the past five games at center and will continue to hold down that spot until Kelly is cleared to return.
On defense, Minnesota is keeping a close eye on standout pass rusher Jonathan Greenard, who exited the Baltimore game with a shoulder injury. The Vikings believe Greenard avoided a major injury. Still, Greenard didn’t practice on Wednesday, and his availability for Sunday remains uncertain.
“Still would put him in that questionable category,” O’Connell said. “He won’t go today, but I think he still has a chance for Sunday. We’ll let the medical staff work through the week.”
As things stand, the Vikings enter Week 11 hopeful that McCarthy’s hand won’t be a distraction and that Kelly and Greenard can make progress before Sunday. For the Bears, it’s another potential advantage against a banged-up NFC North rival in a game that could have major implications down the stretch.
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